The National Gathering to pray for the success of the forthcoming Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family took place at Carfin Grotto on Sunday 6th September 2015. Holy Mass was celebrated at 3.00pm with Bishop Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell, being main celebrant & homilist. Also in attendance were Archbishop Philip Tartaglia (Glasgow), Bishop John Keenan (Paisley), Bishop William Nolan (Galloway), Bishop Emeritus Maurice Taylor (Galloway) and around 30 Priests & Deacons from across Scotland. Archbishop Tartaglia will be Scotland's representative at the Synod.

Several hundered people from across the country gathered for this Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit to pray for those taking part in the Synod. This event took the place on the annual National Pilgrimage to Carfin which would normally take place in Carfin on this weekend however was held earlier this year in Keith to coincide with the events to mark the anniversary and St John Ogilvie's Martrydom.

In his homily, Bishop Toal prayed that the ears of those attending the synod will be opened to the spirit of God and that their tongues will express God's truth, urging that "we must uphold what we believe, the truth, the message of Jesus Christ."

Following the Mass, a Rosary procession & Benediction were led by Father Francis McGachey, Guardian of the Grotto, and Deacon Jim Aitken.